ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL GERIATRIC MEDICAL CENTER

ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL GERIATRIC MEDICAL CENTER The Philippines has established itself as a leader in providing specialized healthcare services through its national centers of excellence. Institutions such as the Philippine Heart Center, the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, the National Orthopedic Hospital, and the Philippine Children's Medical Center (PCMC) have long served as benchmarks in their respective fields. However, a glaring gap remains: the absence of a National Geriatric Medical Center (NGMC). While the country does have a National Center for Geriatric Health (NCGH), it is merely an outpatient clinic attached to the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC). Without its own independent infrastructure and dedicated funding, the NCGH struggles to meet the growing demands of our aging population. Patients requiring inpatient care are left competing with other patients for hospital beds, exacerbating the burden on JRRMMC's resources. A Missed Opportunity Over the years, lawmakers have introduced several bills to establish a National Geriatric Medical Center, yet none have progressed beyond the committee level. This lack of legislative support reflects a troubling underappreciation of geriatric care needs, despite the rapidly increasing number of senior citizens. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), there will be an estimated 11.7 million senior citizens by 2025, rising to 16.8 million by 2035. The demand for specialized geriatric care will only intensify as the population ages. Establishing an NGMC would be a significant step toward ensuring the dignity and well-being of our elderly. Geriatric Age: Defining the Scope The World Health Organization (WHO) defines geriatric age as starting at 65 years. However, in the Philippines, the legal definition of a senior citizen begins at 60 years under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 (Republic Act No. 9994). In the interest of clarity and inclusivity, it is reasonable to align our definition of geriatric age with our existing laws and recognize age 60 and above for geriatric care services. Why We Need a National Geriatric Medical Center 1. Independent Operations and Budget: The NGMC should operate as an independent institution with its own budgetary allocation from Congress. This autonomy will ensure focused management and effective service delivery. 2. Specialized Research and Training: Like other centers of excellence, the NGMC should establish a research division to advance studies in geriatric medicine. It should also serve as a teaching hospital to train healthcare professionals in the specialized care of elderly patients. 3. Referral and Outreach System: An electronic referral network should be established to allow public and private hospitals to refer geriatric patients to the NGMC, streamlining access to specialized care. 4. Robust Outpatient and Inpatient Services: The center should have a fully equipped outpatient department, as well as ample inpatient facilities to cater to both acute and long-term geriatric care needs. 5. Telemedicine Capabilities: To bridge the geographical divide, the NGMC should implement a telemedicine program that provides remote consultations and follow-ups, ensuring access to healthcare for senior citizens in underserved regions. A Call to Action Countries like Japan, Sweden, and Germany have established world-class geriatric care systems, recognizing the importance of addressing the complex health challenges faced by their aging populations. The Philippines must follow suit. Senate Bill No. 27, filed by Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., envisions the creation of a National Center for Geriatric Health and Research Institute (NCGHRI), which would serve as the nation’s leading teaching and research hospital specializing in geriatric care. Additionally, various House bills have proposed the creation of regional geriatric centers. Such initiatives deserve our full support. We could pick up from where he left off. Our elderly have dedicated their lives to building this nation. It is now our responsibility to ensure that they receive the care and respect they deserve. Establishing the National Geriatric Medical Center is not only a healthcare imperative – it is a moral one. Let us urge our lawmakers to prioritize the health and well-being of our senior citizens. The time to act is now. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 05-08-2025